Read the full story: Associated PressThe Vatican is formally recognizing 21 Coptic Orthodox workers who were beheaded by Islamic militants in Libya as martyrs with their own feast day, in a significant new ecumenical gesture aimed at forging unity between Catholic and Orthodox churches.

Vatican City, May 11: The Vatican is formally recognising 21 Coptic Orthodox workers who were beheaded by Islamic militants in Libya as martyrs with their own feast day, in a significant new ecumenical gesture aimed at forging unity between Catholic and Orthodox churches. During the audience, Francis kissed relics of the 21 young men that Tawadros offered him as a gift. The inscription of the Coptic Orthodox martyrs in the Catholic liturgical calendar, Francis said, “is a sign of the spiritual communion that unites our two churches". The Vatican will likely designate February 15 as their feast day, the same day the Coptic Orthodox Church honours them, officials said. Tawadros is scheduled to celebrate a liturgy for the Coptic Orthodox faithful on Sunday at Francis' cathedral, St. John Lateran.

The Vatican is formally recognising 21 Coptic Orthodox workers who were beheaded by Islamic militants in Libya as martyrs with their own feast day, in a significant new ecumenical gesture aimed at forging unity between Catholic and Orthodox churches. During the audience, Francis kissed relics of the 21 young men that Tawadros offered him as a gift. The inscription of the Coptic Orthodox martyrs in the Catholic liturgical calendar, Francis said, "is a sign of the spiritual communion that unites our two churches''. The Vatican will likely designate February 15 as their feast day, the same day the Coptic Orthodox Church honours them, officials said. Tawadros is scheduled to celebrate a liturgy for the Coptic Orthodox faithful on Sunday at Francis' cathedral, St. John Lateran.

EventAuthorities have announced the suspension of all flights at Misrata International Airport (MRA) from May 13-27 due to maintenance on the runway. All flights are expected to be diverted to Mitiga International Airport (MJI) in Tripoli until maintenance is completed. Disruptions to flights are possible immediately prior to the May 13 start and after the completion of the repairs. Some changes to flight schedules are possible at MJI for the duration of the operation at MRA. Persons intending to fly to MRA May 13-27 should ensure they have adequate and secure transport for ground travel between MJI and MRA.

Comment on this story Comment Gift Article ShareVATICAN CITY — The Vatican is formally recognizing 21 Coptic Orthodox workers who were beheaded by Islamic militants in Libya as martyrs with their own feast day, in a significant new ecumenical gesture aimed at forging unity between Catholic and Orthodox churches. During the audience, Francis kissed relics of the 21 young men that Tawadros offered him as a gift. The Vatican will likely designate Feb. 15 as their feast day, the same day the Coptic Orthodox Church honors them, officials said. The Coptic Orthodox pope joined Francis on stage during the Catholic pontiff’s weekly general audience on Wednesday. Tawadros is scheduled to celebrate a liturgy for the Coptic Orthodox faithful on Sunday at Francis’ cathedral, St. John Lateran.

The Libyan government of Prime Minister Fathi Bashagha, appointed by the House of Representatives, signed agreements with several international companies on Wednesday to implement infrastructure reconstruction projects in Libya. The projects will focus on areas such as roads, transportation, hospitals, and other infrastructure across the country. The agreement was signed by Minister of Investment Ali Al-Saidi and representatives from the BFi Limited coalition, China Railway International Group, and Arub International Engineering. The signing was supervised by Deputy Prime Minister Ali Al-Qatrani and attended by several ministers and members of the House of Representatives. The projects are part of the “Development of the Nation” initiative launched by Prime Minister Bashagha in April, which aims to “improve the quality of life for citizens across the country.”

Libyan Presidential Council member Abdullah Al-Lafi and US Special Envoy to Libya Richard Norland discussed efforts towards national reconciliation in Libya and ways to progress towards holding elections on schedule in a phone call on Wednesday. The call also included the participation of Leslie Ordeman, Chargé d’Affaires at the US Embassy in Libya. Both parties agreed that “efforts to promote national reconciliation in Libya are necessary to ensure long-term peace and prosperity throughout the country,” according to a tweet from the embassy on Thursday. Norland and Al-Lafi also discussed “the need for concerted and tangible efforts by Libyan parties to make progress towards holding elections on schedule and ensuring fair revenue distribution,” according to the tweet. Al-Lafi stated on his personal Facebook account that Norland “confirmed his country’s full support for Libya” in the success of the reconciliation project led by the Presidential Council, emphasizing “the importance of this issue in the success of the political process, presidential and legislative elections, as well as providing support in the field of achieving security and stability.”

Tripoli, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 11th May, 2023 ) :Prime Minister of the Libyan Government of National Unity Abdul Hamid Dabaiba voiced his country's support to the Saudi-hosted talks between Sudanese parties in Jeddah. Dabaiba's remarks came during a meeting today with Sudanese Ambassador to Libya Ibrahim Mohammad Ibrahim. The two sides discussed the latest developments in Sudan and the coordination between the two countries in extending humanitarian assistance to the Sudanese people. Dabaiba also expressed support for the Jeddah talks and for all efforts to restore security and stability in Sudan.

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The President of the Libyan Presidential Council (LPC) Mohamed al-Manfi has received the UN envoy to Libya, Abdoulaye Bathily, according PC media. The meeting focused on the progress made in the basic files to reach the elections during the year 2023, and discussed ways to support the 6+6 committee to fulfill its responsibilities regarding electoral laws as soon as possible. Al-Menfi and Bathily discussed strengthening the national reconciliation project, unifying security and military efforts, and the comprehensive national mechanism for managing oil revenues and setting spending priorities. Al-Menfi stressed the necessity of national ownership of the entire Libyan political process, its foundations and paths.

Libyan authorities in Tripoli told Brazil Africa Institute (IBRAF) president João Bosco Monte they want to resume talks with Brazil and restore ties with the Latin American country, according to Brazil-Arab News Agency (ANBA). Brazil used to have an ambassador in Tripoli, and Brazilian construction firms operated in the country. “They were all willing to talk and resume talks with Brazil,” he said, adding that Libyans preserve the memory of the relation Brazil used to have with their country. Bosco Monte said his meetings were intended to foster Brazil-Libya ties. Bosco Monte explained, however, he refers to the opportunities, and not only the country’s domestic political issue.

The government has appointed Major General Abul Hasnat Mohammad Khairul Bashar as the new Ambassador of Bangladesh to Libya. A decorated high official of Bangladesh Army, Major General Hasnat was commissioned in June 1989. Just before being deputed to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, he was serving as the GOC of 17 Infantry Division and Area Commander of Sylhet. Major General Hasnat has served with distinction in UN peacekeeping missions in Kuwait and Sudan. Major General Hasnat has masters in Defence Studies (MDS), Security Studies (MoSS) and Security & Development Studies (MSDS).

Unrest in Sudan carries spillover threats for LibyaTue, 09th May 2023The recent outbreak of civil conflict in Sudan will have a negative effect on the situation in neighbouring Libya, particularly in the southern areas of the country—known as the Fezzan—as fighting between Sudan’s military and paramilitary leaderships threatens to derail plans to repatriate Sudanese mercenaries from Libya. Persistent political uncertainty in Libya, coupled with Sudan’s deepening conflict, is likely to delay Libya’s political transition and exacerbate security risks. According to UN estimates, a peaceful transition and reconstruction in Libya could potentially enhance economic performance in Sudan by US$22.7bn over 2021‑25. The fighting in Sudan is likely to increase flows of refugees into Libya, further straining Libya’s political process, given rising insecurity and uncertainty. We expect the conflict in Sudan to lead to increased border insecurity in southern Libya, with crossborder movements of both fighters and displaced civilians.

Japan's House of Representatives on Tuesday passed a controversial bill that would amend an immigration law to enable authorities to deport individuals who repeatedly apply for refugee status. By amending the immigration law, the government led by Prime Minister Fumio Kishida aims to end the extended detention in immigration facilities of foreign nationals who do not comply with deportation orders issued for overstaying and other reasons. As part of efforts to prevent long-term detention, the government would allow individuals applying for refugee status to live outside immigration facilities under the supervision of their supporters. In 2021, the government shelved an amendment bill for the immigration law amid a growing backlash after a 33-year-old Sri Lankan woman died while being held at an immigration facility in Nagoya, central Japan, that year. In 2022, Japan gave refugee status to 202 people, a record high since it began granting it in 1982.